Best GameCube Games

The Top Ten

1Super Smash Brothers Melee

There's a reason why every Nintendo fan is chomping at the bit when watching clips of Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Wii. The game is any Nintendo fanboy's wet dream, featuring the best characters from every major Big N franchise. Melee has become the grand stage of fighters, much like Mario Kart is for racing fans. If you do in fact own a GameCube, and have yet to grab a copy of Smash Bros, please commit honorable suicide at this time (or we guess you could just go buy it too). You won't find a more addictive fighter on Nintendo's console. The only thing we could add to the game, online gameplay, is already in the works for Brawl, making us a group of very happy campers. - kingmjmj

This game set the standard for any group fighting game to come after it. I remember how blown my mind was when I saw Link, Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pikachu beating the hell out of each other; imagine the hole in my head after they went from 12 characters to 26! This game, like the Wii with Super Smash Bros. Brawls, made people buy the GameCube for just Super Smash Bros. Melee. This game had all the big Nintendo characters and even introduced us to some we never knew existed. It had fun stages, fun items, and fun game play. - masongilbert74

As much as I would like to give this title, to Prime, Sunshine, Twilight Princess or Wind Waker, there is just no other game for the gamecube that stands the test of time like smash bros melee has. No matter the age of the player, their gaming genre preferences, or whether your playing by yourself or with friends, just about everyone I have met since the time I got this game back in 2001 loves this game. I watched my best friend in college go from barely ever having played this game growing up to now competing in competitive tournaments due to the college environment (surrounded by people who could play all the time). To this day, it stands at the top of it's own series even with 2 other games that increased the totals characters as well as the graphics.

This was my first video game as a kid and I have been playing this game for almost my whole life. - Azurin13

It's amazing how much faith players can put in a franchise, and when that franchise continues (as we want it to), how often our vision is different from the final product. When Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, it was fearless. Everyone expected a mature themed adventure, and fans were split between loving and hating this vision. However, those who dove into Wind Waker found that the magic of the Zelda franchise was still there. The title boasted the same tight control mechanics and brilliant level designs that have together made Nintendo's acclaimed franchise so popular. We've excluded Twilight Princess from the Top 25 GameCube list, as it was predominantly a Wii game, releasing first on Nintendo's new console and in much, much higher numbers, though for Wii-less fans out there the one-two punch of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess propels the Zelda franchise into truly legendary status on GameCube. That being said, if included Twilight Princess would have been ...more - kingmjmj

Indefinitely all Zelda games are great. Though of course this may not be the greatest it is still a very good game. Like all Zelda games it comes jam packed with puzzles, and dungeons and bosses. But it's a step up with the innovation of a boat. Yes a boat. Though it may not sound like a very good feature but trust me. It is actually pretty good. The fact of traveling around the map is fantastic. It just makes exploring better. If you have a gamecube get this game. If you are a Zelda fan get this game. If you don't know what Zelda is punch yourself and get the game. If you don't know what a gamecube is punch yourself and buy one.

In the end Zelda is superb. - Certise

Without a doubt my favorite game of all time. It's really impressive that this is one of the most atmospheric zelda games even though it doesn't have the darker themes like Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. The cell shaded graphical style really helped this game hold up astoundingly well over time and establish a unique personality for the world and its characters. It is truly a masterpiece and if you own a gamecube, Wii, or Wii u you owe it to yourself to play this game if you haven't already.

While it may not have made the same "Wow! " impression as Mario 64 did - being the first 3D, analog controlled Mario - Super Mario Sunshine gives Nintendo fans serious 3D platforming at its finest. As Nintendo's top franchise, Mario is expected to deliver the highest quality of gaming possible, teamed with innovation and perfect gameplay. Sunshine fulfilled those expectations in nearly every way, though some gamers still have trouble getting past the game's younger presentation. In the end, however, it all comes down to gameplay for Mario, and while the leap to the Cube may not have been as huge as the N64 conversion, the stunning visuals and classic platforming make it essential to any Nintendo fan's collection. - kingmjmj

There's a fact I heard from "Did You Know Gaming? ". Did you know that a study in America found that playing Super Mario Sunshine made people more helpful in real life? That means that ever since somebody's been playing Super Mario Sunshine, they decided to do what Mario & his assistant, FLUDD, did in Delfino Isle. Thank you, Super Mario Sunshine. You made people be more helpful.

This is my all time favorite Mario game it's so great it's challenging definitely the hardest Mario game I've ever played and I've played pretty much every one but it's just so good and it's my favorite in the series if you've never played this game you're missing out

When it all comes down to it, only one game can truly sit at the top of a list, proving what the system was about, pushing gameplay and graphics to the limit, and delivering the most immersive package for console owners. For GameCube, Metroid Prime is that game. As a surprising classic released in 2002 (two years prior to games like Resident Evil 4), Metroid Prime redefined Nintendo's classic franchise, and ushered it into a new 3D era. Shortly following Prime we were again treated to Nintendo's first-person adventure series with Echoes, then by Prime Hunters on DS and eventually the pending release of Prime 3: Corruption on Wii. While other franchises made significant steps during the N64 era (Twilight Princess, for example, could be considered a progression of Ocarina of Time), Prime got its start on GameCube, and it breathed new life into the franchise. It was an amazing rebirth, an incredible GameCube game, and one of the top Nintendo titles in over two - kingmjmj

Being a big fan of the Metroid Series, I had to vote for Metroid Prime. For you Metroid fans out there, it was the first chance to finally see in Samuses eyes for the first time. This was the only reason for me to purchase a Gamecube. - Punisher12

Easily one of the best but really Mario party 4 or double dash don't need to be above it

How is this not in the top 3? This is easily the most impressive jump to 3d from any franchise.

The RPG elements in this game combined with a rock-solid platformer... Who can resist? This game has a special place in my heart because of it's memorable characters and intriguing stories.

I actually just bought it at Blockbuster for 10$. Now that Wii is the new thing and can play Gamecube games, those are the things to get! - Oreanta

Yeah! This is why this game is in fifth! It should be in first place because paper Mario for the Nintendo 64 was a great game and they made this one with the effort they used for paper Mario for the Nintendo 64. I recommend this game for young players! This game is great

Just the sheer adventure element, along with gathering new friends. All the worlds are awesome in there own way, and the bosses never get old. I haven't even finished yet, the last boss is just too hard!

This game is amazing, with so many great elements. It has a vivid world, with personality filled to the brim and every character unique, amazing locations, a beautiful palette, truely bringing the towns and characters to life with its art, unique areas, goofy humor, serious tones, and lighthearted fun are all present, and fit together seamlessly, with help from the awesome music of course. It has unique locations, sending you areas like fighting arenas, untouched forests, haunted islands, and even the moon! The partners are all special, with overworld and battle uses, such as Madam flurries ability to blow away enemies and reveal hidden passages in the overworld. The battle system has real-time elements, which keep the player involved and makes battles seem more intense, trying to pull of that perfect counter, or blocking, and this makes battles much less redunda nt. b attles are expertly paced so that, so long as you aren't running away from everything, grinding is almost never ...more

Resident Evil 4 is without a doubt one of the best games on GCN and the most amazing and immersive of the franchise. There really isn't much that can be said that hasn't already been ranted and raved about. All we can really say is that it is essential to any collection. Resident Evil 4 did for the Cube what Super Mario World did for the SNES. It is visually impressive, flawlessly designed and a true vision. If for some amazingly unfortunate reason you have yet to grab a copy (or two --it's that damn good), grab it now. With Twilight Princess taken from our list of considerations (as it was more a Wii title than a Cube one in the end), Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon were split equally for our top two picks. Resident Evil 4 is Bozon's top pick on GameCube, and IGN Cube's #2 overall; it's one hell of a game. - kingmjmj

After years of watching the Playstation crowd getting game after game, GCN owners were treated to a beautifully-crafted remake of one of the greatest games in our industry's history. As a joint collaboration between Nintendo, Silicon Knights, and publisher Konami, Snake was given a second life on Nintendo's consoles, including new story elements and weapons, as well as an immersive first-person mode. Aside from being a much-needed addition to the mature-rated games on GameCube, Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes showed that Konami still had faith in the console, as it became one of the top cult classic titles on the system, and paved the way for Snake's appearance in the highly anticipated Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. - kingmjmj

Greatest game I've ever played in my entire life, and I'm playing now for the first time, that's crazy right? I've played Resi 5 on the PS3 and nothing it's BS compared to this one... Thank god I bought this game today (25.09.2011) - because as good as it is, in a few years time, it will be on ebay at forbidden prices, and I'm talking hundreds of dollars, you can quote me on that.

True Luigi's Mansion was short, but there's many reasons for that. First it was going to be on the 64 but that didn't work out. Then it was used to test the gamecube. Later they made it a game again, but it had to be completed in 24 hrs. After trashing the time limit they felt they took too long to make the game so they didn't extend it. Thus It is so short. - bonezee

Grew up with this game and I actually just played it today again. No matter how innovative games become, I'll never hestitate to choose Luigi's Mansion out of the stash! The puzzles, ghosts, and story are brilliantly created and I wish I could express how much I love this game. Sure, all of the shallow GameCube players chose Super Smash Melee, but any sane person would admit that games such as Luigi's Mansion are better. Don't get me wrong, I have so many memories of playing melee with my siblings, but I'd never pick it as the greatest GameCube game...that's going way too far. I hope Luigi's Mansion gets more love! It deserves it!

People complain about this game because it is too short. I don't really care to be honest. I love this game and needs a bit more credit.

The Contenders

11Super Smash Bros Melee

Why is this on here twice?

It's so good it's on the list twice. Buy this game IMEDEITLY (NO EXCUSES) if you don't have it.

MELEE IS BOSS!

12Mario Party 4

Yes definitely Mario is awesome, in fact any Mario game is worth the money, and the time. I would also have to go with any Shrek game as well. Wrestlemania 19 the wrestling game is great. - Undertaker15-0

Not only the best Mario party ever made, but one of the best gcn games ever made. Classic, always a great game to play anytime. - jtrain413

Amazing graphics. Compared to Mario Party 3 this looks way better. Mario Party looks like a piece of crap now

Mario Party 4 is decent but I think that Mario party 5,6, and 7 are way better. - spodermanfan1000

Every good collection needs a solid fighting game, and we can't think of a better fighter to add to our own Top 25 than Namco's Soulcalibur II. In most gamer's minds, SCII is the gem of the series. Releasing on all three systems, the title had a golden year in 2003-2004. Each version includes a specific character, and no other version sold as well as the Cube package, offering good ole' Link as the headlining character. Where did the franchise go after that? For some odd reason ($), the series made ($) its way over to the PS2 ($). Makes sense, right? After all, it sold the best on ($) the Cube, so why not bring it to ($) PS2 instead? All joking aside, fans can't complain too much. After all, the GCN got the best version anyways, and nobody can take that away now. It's a sweet little package, and well worth the price. Maybe Namco will give the series a much-needed return on Wii. In the meantime, pick this game up and cherish it. - kingmjmj

This might be the best fighting game ever made.Also how is Mario party a higher than this game?

14Sonic Adventure 2 Battle

Great game, the speed stages are probably one the best levels in gaming history - PampaZapp

Great game, great battle great everything - pokedexblake

Sa2 is the best, it has an awesome story, awesome charecters, awesome graphics, awesome stages and levels, awesome everything, I had this game ever since I was 2 years old

Animal crossing is underrated, I used to think of it of just doing chores and stuff like that, but no this game is full of excitement and when you pay off your debt and your house gets upgraded to a bigger house with more debt you don't want to stop playing ever when the events in the game happen also the 15 NES games included in it. There were no flaws in the graphics or the play through THIS TREASURE AND LEGEND OF A GAME DESERVES TO BE AT NUMBER 1 OR 2 NO LESS!

Animal Crossing was the reason I got a GameCube. I tried it out at a friends, and came back every day. I read about the no disc trick and barrowed it to try it out on my sister's GameCube. It worked! But then my friend's mom picked me up the game the very next day.

This game is packed with NES classics, which Wii, DS, Wii you and 3DS charge you to play. This had over 20 of the most popular: baloon fight, Mario bros, punch out, Zelda, all free included for you to find.

This game had replay value, other than some aged pixelated graphics (it was intended for N64) It was the best in the series. Sure, there are some great innovations in newer titles, but the lack of a curved world, and all those NES games, and the gamecube with its comfortable controller make this one the best. - GameBoyBlue

THIS GAME IS THE BEST! When you hear about it, it doesn't sound fun. But when you play it, it's fun and cute! It's calming too. My therapist recommended I played this more. And here's a feature to make you play GameCube version: you can play nes games

F-Zero GX, although one of the most difficult games ever to fully complete, came to the Gamecube and gave us much more than we bargained for. Amazing graphics, awesome music, custom machines; the only bad part was the unlocking of bonuses was too difficult.

My favorite racing game so far. F-Zero GX has it all. Every race is intense and incredibly fun. No matter how challenging it gets, it's always a blast to play. - DamnFineCupOfCoffee

Easily the most badass Nintendo game ever, and possibly the most badass game of its genre as well. Can't wait for its sequel - xandermartin98

The best F-Zero game hands down and one of the best racing games ever made.